Our History
Our History
Sentinel Manufacturing Limited was founded in 1991 by Ken James and Brian Rees, in response to Perkins Engines (Shrewsbury)'s strategic decision to outsource non-core component manufacturing. This partnership was further enhanced following Perkins Engines’ acquisition of Dorman Diesels of Stafford, which presented additional opportunities for outsourced manufacturing.
Over the next 29 years, Sentinel Manufacturing established itself as a reliable supplier to Perkins Engines and its parent company, Caterpillar. In 2015, we broadened our global footprint by launching Sentinel Manufacturing India in Pune—a state-of-the-art aluminium gravity die foundry. This expansion supported Perkins Engines with parts development in India and demonstrated our commitment to their supplier development framework, earning us the S.Q.E.P. award for four consecutive years prior to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019.
In the wake of the pandemic, Sentinel Manufacturing underwent a comprehensive financial restructuring, with Paul James (son of Ken James) assuming sole ownership of the business.
Since then, Sentinel Manufacturing has experienced significant transformation, proactively pursuing new opportunities. We have diversified our customer base and expanded our expertise within the UK, continually investing in advanced technologies. In India, we have successfully developed a portfolio of domestic clients, further strengthening our presence in the region.
